Australian singer and actor Johnny Ruffo has passed away at the age of 35 after a battle with brain cancer, according to a report by the BBC. Ruffo gained fame through his appearances on the reality show ‘X Factor Australia’ and the soap opera ‘Home and Away’. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and had been actively involved in raising awareness and funds for the disease. Ruffo’s family announced his death on Instagram, stating that he passed away on Friday surrounded by loved ones.
“He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could. Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give,” the family statement read. They described Ruffo as a talented, charming, and sometimes cheeky individual.
Tributes poured in as news of Ruffo’s death spread. Australian singer and actor Dannii Minogue expressed her sorrow in an Instagram post, describing him as the “cheekiest chap” and mentioning his voice, smile, and dancing feet.
The Guardian reported that Ruffo underwent surgery three years ago to remove a tumor, but the cancer returned later on. He publicly revealed last year that his diagnosis was terminal.
Ruffo was born in Perth and rose to prominence as a contestant on the musical reality show ‘The X Factor’, where he finished in third place in 2011. He subsequently signed a contract with Sony Music.
In 2013, Ruffo landed the role of Chris Harrington, the first son in a wealthy family, on the soap opera ‘Home and Away’. His character had several romantic storylines in the fictional town of Summer Bay. For his performance, Ruffo received a nomination for most popular new talent at the 2014 Logie Awards.
Johnny Ruffo will be remembered for his talent and infectious personality. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his efforts to raise awareness about brain cancer will continue to inspire others.
